Killer’s release is delayed ‘after he held party in cell’

ONE OF the killers of Garry Newlove has seen his hopes of being released from prison dashed after reportedly holding a party in his prison cell.

Jordan Cunliffe, one of three teenagers jailed in 2008 for the murder of Mr Newlove outside his home in Warrington, Cheshire, was considered for release by the Parole Board at a hearing last December.

But, according to the Parole Board’s decision summary, support from a psychologist, probation officer and prison official for his release was withdrawn at a later hearing following an “incident” in the open prison where he was held.

Stephen Sorton, who was also convicted for his part in the killing of the 47-year-old fatherof-three in August 2007, was approved for release by the Parole Board following a separate hearing.

Cunliffe, 28, hoped to be released after his review, the summary document said, but the case was “reconsidered in the light of an incident which resulted in Mr Cunliffe’s return to closed conditions”.

It was reported Cunliffe was found with other inmates drinking alcohol in his cell in the days after the hearing on December 17.

Mr Newlove’s widow, Baroness Newlove, said: “How is he able to have a party in prison with alcohol? It beggars belief.”

The summary said Cunliffe continued to deny his involvement in the attack, in which Mr Newlove suffered massive head injuries after he confronted the group about vandalising cars outside his home, but “appeared to demonstrate some empathy about the incident”.

The panel recommended Cunliffe, who was 16 when he was sentenced for the alcohol-fuelled attack, be transferred back to the open prison to undertake “additional training”. The recommendation of the Parole Board has been passed to the Justice Secretary for approval.

Cunliffe’s mother Janet has campaigned against joint enterprise laws, saying that although he was at the scene he did not take part in the murder.

A Parole Board spokesman said: “The Parole Board has made the decision not to release Jordan Cunliffe following an oral hearing, but has recommended that he is suitable for a move to an open conditions prison.

“This is a recommendation only and the Ministry of Justice will now consider the advice and make the final decision.”